Testimonials

Click numbers to view testimonials

1

2

3

4

5

"At the young of age of 10, I lost my father in the line of duty. The one man I would always have to rely on in my life was now gone. I was confused and truly did not know where to begin in rebuilding my life. That’s where Concern of Police Survivors came into play. This organization has helped me create relationships with peers who have faced what I have and still experience the grief and pain I feel today. I have developed a unique, unbreakable bond with a select few girls my age thanks to C.O.P.S. The organization's annual hands-on programs get me through the year; knowing I have the opportunity to see these friends and meet new ones each year is the most comforting feeling ever; these people have become my family. C.O.P.S was there for me the moment I thought no one else understood. The program’s support and programs are invaluable."

Caroline Parry, surviving daughter of Detective Sgt. Mark F. Parry with the Baltimore County Police Dept, End of Watch January 21, 2002

“C.O.P.S. has made a huge difference in not only my life but the lives of my three children. They were only 14, 12 and 10 years old when they lost their dad. All of us have participated in the Hands on Programs offered by The C.O.P.S. Spouse's Retreat is the one time each year I can be sure to connect with another widow/widower who is either ahead of me in their day to day grief/healing journey without their loved one, or connect with someone who is new to this way of life. All of us lost our spouses in the line of duty and many of us had young children at the time, to then raise on our own. Regardless of where we are in our own lives we are able to help each other. This bond transcends all cultures and demographics-we always know we are here for one another!”

Lynne Parry surviving spouse of Detective Sgt. Mark F. Parry with the Baltimore County Police Department, End of Watch January 21, 2002

“I had a great time at the retreat because it made me feel like I had a place in the world again. I was feeling so lonely… my mom didn’t know what I was going through, my dad didn’t know what I was going through, not one single person knew what I was going through. When I went to Spouses Retreat it was like I had a family… a new family. When I attended the retreat that first year I realized I’m not alone. I was glad I had these friends, but I was sad I had to make them that way.”

Michaela Burns surviving spouse of Trooper James Burns with the Texas Department of Public Safety, End of Watch April 29, 2008

“I’ve attended COPS’ Spouses Retreat three times and I’m already registered for the one this September. Since Rick was killed. I’ve had to be both mom and dad to our four kids.Spouses Retreat is the only time I get to cry.There I can open up with the one group of friends who really, truly know the pain that never leaves my heart.”

But I can also laugh and know I won’t be criticized. I don’t have to edit what I’m feeling. People talk about closure, but there is no such thing. How can you forget the man you were married to and had kids with? You can heal and you can love again, but you can never, ever forget hearing the words that changed your life and turned it upside-down. COPS and the Spouses Retreat help me stay right-side-up.”

Julie Weinhold, surviving spouse of St. Louis County Police Officer Richard Weinhold, end of watch 10-31-2000

“Hey Daddy, I miss you so much. I just got back from camp. It was full of kids about my age. This camp saved my life, Dad. I used to think I was alone and I didn’t think any other kids my age felt the same way. I came to realize that there are kids that feel the exact same way! I am so happy I went.”

A surviving child’s note to her slain father after she attended “C.O.P.S. Kids” Summer Camp 2005